Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases jail time. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other serious consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but can decrease the degree of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.